Government funding for self-driving services a welcome step forward, says Logistics UK

Designed to help accelerate a new market for autonomous technology, which government estimates could be worth £42 billion to the UK economy by 2035, the competition will fund projects which will help bring to market the latest developments in autonomous commercial vehicles.

“Self-driving vehicles have the potential to revolutionise people’s lives,” said Lord Grimstone, Minister for Investment. “This funding will help unlock the incredible potential of this new and growing industry, building on the continued development of self-driving technology, attracting investment and helping make our transport cleaner, safer and more efficient.”

Michelle Gardner, Acting Deputy Director – Public Policy at Logistics UK, said: “The £40 million government competition will help accelerate emerging technologies and with possible self-driving vehicles including those that move containers at shipping ports, as well as delivery vehicles, this is a welcome step forward. Logistics UK is also pleased by the £1.5 million funding for feasibility studies; safety and sustainability must remain a core focus alongside consideration to vital economic and business benefits.”

Further to this announcement, Logistics UK is supporting a Zenzic webinar on autonomous logistics and freight that will take place on 9 June 2022 between 09:30–11:30. The webinar will highlight the latest progress and priorities in the logistics sector in the UK and showcase key technology developers who are rolling out autonomous logistics solutions. There will also be an important update from the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles on the legal framework and funding for automated technology development and deployment in the UK. Members interested in this topic are encouraged to join and can register by clicking here.

*www.logistics.org.uk/environment

Published On: 26/05/2022 16:00:15

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